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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in South Grafton is $466k, with units at $472k. House values have moved 7.2% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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South Grafton has an estimated 6,409 residents, up from 6,288 at the 2021 Census — a change of 121 people, or 1.9%. That puts 257 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
South Grafton has an estimated residency of approximately 6,409 individuals as of May 2026, calculated through AreaSearch assessments of ABS demographic data alongside refreshed address records. This indicates an expansion of 121 residents (1.9%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 6,288 people. The updated estimate is derived from a base resident count of 6,390 calculated using ABS June 2025 ERP data, supplemented by 11 newly validated residential addresses since the census. The suburb's density stands at 257 persons per square kilometer, offering low density and potential for future spatial growth.
This 1.9% post-census growth rate is within 2.7 percentage points of the wider SA4 region (4.6%), showing respectable local expansion. Net interstate migration served as the principal driver of these gains, accounting for roughly 67.0% of the overall population increase. Population projections rely on 2024 ABS and Geoscience Australia datasets using a 2022 baseline, supplemented where necessary by 2022 NSW Government projections utilizing a 2021 baseline. Age-specific growth trajectories from these sources are projected forward for the years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic shifts indicate expansion slightly under the national median for regional areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 618 residents by 2041, representing a cumulative rise of 9.3% over the 16-year projection window.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
29 new dwellings have been approved in South Grafton over the past five years, an average of 5 a year. That is 0.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 7, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals shows the suburb averages approximately 5 new residential approvals annually, with 29 homes approved over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 7 approvals recorded during FY-26. With 3.2 new residents added for every finished home over the FY-21 to FY-25 period, construction rates fall short of local demand, creating competitive market conditions and upward pressure on prices, with new residences averaging a construction value of $342,000. Commercial building approvals totaled $3.7 million this financial year, highlighting the area's predominantly domestic focus. Residential building activity in the suburb is low, sitting 83.0% below the average per capita volume for Regional NSW.
This minimal construction volume supports the value and demand of pre-existing homes. The rate is similarly low on a national scale, pointing to local planning limits or a highly mature market. The pipeline of new supply is split between detached houses at 60.0% and medium-density options like townhouses or units at 40.0%, expanding choices across different price points. This marks a clear shift from the existing housing profile, where houses make up 90.0% of dwellings, indicating a lack of development land and responding to new preferences for affordability. There are 1063 people per single dwelling approval, highlighting a quiet local construction landscape. The latest quarterly data projects the suburb will add 599 residents by 2041. If building rates remain at current levels, residential supply will lag behind this population influx, which is likely to heighten buyer competition and support property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around South Grafton
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside South Grafton, worth an estimated $70 million. A further 41 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $1.46 billion. 11 are already under construction and 9 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and tourism. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, developments, and planning schemes influence property market conditions. AreaSearch has identified 6 projects expected to affect the suburb, including the Grafton Lifestyle Centre, the Rushforth Road Manufactured Home Estate, the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, and the Treelands Drive Community Centre Redevelopment.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Grafton Lifestyle Centre
A $70 million large-format retail and lifestyle precinct on a 3.42-hectare site in South Grafton. Designed by Bruce Henderson Architects, the project features 13,500 sqm of retail space with a 5 Star NABERS and 6 Star Green Star target. The design draws inspiration from the historic Grafton Bridge and includes vertical gardens, EV charging, and a community hub for food trucks and public art. Major tenants include Anaconda, Total Tools, Repco, Petbarn, RSEA, Anytime Fitness, Banjo's Bakery, and Oz Education Early Learning Centre.
Rushforth Road Manufactured Home Estate
$6.65 million development application for 95-lot manufactured home estate at South Grafton providing affordable housing options for the local community. Includes demolition of existing buildings, community building, 25m x 10m swimming pool, children's play area, community gardens, recreation areas, and landscaped areas to support sustainable community living. Currently being assessed by Clarence Valley Council.
Treelands Drive Community Centre Redevelopment
Redevelopment of the Treelands Drive Community Centre in Grafton to provide enhanced community facilities and services. The project aims to create a modern, accessible community hub that meets the evolving needs of local residents.
Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment
The 263.8 million dollar redevelopment includes a new three-storey Acute Services Building with an expanded Emergency Department, Medical Imaging, MRI, and an expanded Day Surgery and Operating Suite with two additional theatres. While early enabling works involving the refurbishment of the former Grafton Gaol for staff accommodation and administration are underway as of 2026, the main hospital campus works remain in the detailed planning and design phase following the Review of Environmental Factors in early 2026.
Grafton Regional Aquatic Centre
$29.1 million redevelopment of Grafton Regional Aquatic Centre by Hines Construction featuring a 50-metre outdoor pool and grandstand, indoor aquatic facility with two 25-metre heated pools, splash pad, new waterslides, electrical substation, and renovation of existing amenities and front entrance. The project includes demolition of existing facilities and is staged to maximise efficiency and service delivery to the community. Construction is on track for completion in December 2024.
Grafton Waterfront Precinct
A $6.5 million transformation of the Grafton riverbank into a family-friendly recreational hub featuring a 700-metre long, 3-metre wide shared user path along the Clarence River, new jetty, accessible footpaths, plaza areas, extensive landscaping, lighting, seating areas, and improved river access connecting Memorial Park to Clarence Street and Salty Seller Reserve.
Alice Street Levee Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of the Alice Street levee including targeted rock protection to the toe of the riverbank between Alice Street and Queen Street, replacement of failed retaining walls, and ancillary works along the length of the levee. The project reduces flood damage to 4,500 properties and mitigates risk to life for 10,000 residents in North Grafton as part of critical floodplain infrastructure improvements. Completed June 27, 2024.
Maclean Community Precinct (Maclean Civic Hall Redevelopment)
Redevelopment of the former Maclean Civic Hall into a purpose-built regional performing arts and community precinct featuring a 290-seat auditorium, backstage facilities, multipurpose community rooms, gallery foyer, cafe space, function room overlooking the Clarence River, outdoor amphitheatre and undercover parking. Demolition was completed in early 2025, construction commenced in May 2025, and structural works are progressing through 2026 with completion scheduled for late 2026.
2,120 residents of South Grafton are employed, from a labour force of 2,361. Unemployment sits at 10.2%, with participation at 46.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local economy is supported by a mix of blue-collar and white-collar occupations, particularly in key service industries, with an unemployment rate of 10.2% and estimated employment growth of 2.5% over the past year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,120, though the unemployment rate was 6.1% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, and workforce participation of 46.3% was lower than the regional average of 60.6%. Census figures showed only 6.4% of employed locals worked from home, a figure likely influenced by past pandemic restrictions. The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety.
Public administration & safety shows a strong local concentration, employing 1.4 times the regional proportion of workers. In contrast, construction workers account for only 6.4% of the workforce, compared to a regional average of 9.7%. Comparison of census working populations to resident counts suggests a scarcity of local employment opportunities. Based on SALM and ABS data for the 12 months ending March 2026, local employment grew by 2.5% while the total labor force shrank by 0.5%, resulting in a 2.6 percentage point decrease in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% contraction in the labor force, and a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest future workforce trends. While total Australian employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Applying these national sector forecasts to the local job mix indicates the suburb's employment base could expand by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in South Grafton is $975 a week (about $51,000 a year), with median personal income at $526 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $38,128 a year against an average of $44,964. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's most recent postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023, South Grafton's median income among taxpayers stands at $38,128, while the average reaches $44,964. These figures sit below the national mean and lag behind Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Applying a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, projected values for March 2026 would be approximately $42,063 for the median and $49,604 for the average. Income data from Census 2021 indicates that household, family and personal incomes in South Grafton all fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally.
Distribution data shows the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 30.9% of residents (1,980 people), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Lower income households are notably prevalent, with 41.0% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
South Grafton had 2,366 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 90% detached houses and 3% apartments. 27% are owned with a mortgage, 37% rented and 36% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $280 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,144 a month. Rent absorbs 28.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 27.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The local housing stock at the latest Census consisted of 90.4% separate houses and 9.6% semi-detached, terraced, or apartment dwellings, compared to Regional NSW where separate houses made up 82.6% and other styles made up 17.4%. Homeowners without a mortgage represented 36.1% of households, slightly below the regional rate, while the remaining properties were mortgaged (26.6%) or rented (37.2%). The median monthly mortgage cost was $1,144, and the median weekly rent was $280, compared to regional averages of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, local mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
South Grafton counted 2,366 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.4 people each. 19% are couples with children, fewer than in 89% of areas nationally, against 24% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families comprise 64.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 19.2%, couples without children at 23.8%, and single parents at 19.9%. Single person households represent 32.1% of dwellings, while group houses make up 3.5%, with non-family households totaling 35.8%. The average household size is 2.4 residents, matching the Regional NSW average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
9.0% of adults in South Grafton hold a university qualification, including 6.3% with a bachelor degree and 1.6% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 94% of areas nationally. A further 33.8% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 1,529 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 850 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment levels for higher education are low, with 9.0% of residents holding a university qualification compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are held by 6.3% of the population, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.1%. Vocational and trade qualifications are common, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a credential, split between advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificate-level qualifications at 33.8%. A total of 30.8% of the population is enrolled in study. This includes 12.9% of residents attending primary school, 9.0% in high school, and 2.0% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in South Grafton reaches 82 stops on 69 routes, timetabled for about 880 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.1 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb is serviced by 82 public transport stops, including a mix of rail and bus links. These stops accommodate 69 routes, providing a total of 884 weekly passenger trips. Transport links are accessible, with residents living an average of 187 meters from their nearest stop. Most residents travel out of the suburb for work, with private vehicles remaining the primary commute choice for 93% of workers. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.1 cars, which is below the regional average. Census data from 2021 showed that 6.4% of residents worked from home, a figure that may reflect pandemic conditions.
Public transport services average 126 daily trips across the network, which averages out to approximately 10 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
55.5% of residents in South Grafton report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 95% of areas nationally. 10.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 44.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 8.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Local health indicators show challenges, with notable mortality rates and chronic illnesses affecting several age cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low, with only 45% of residents (~2,871 people) holding cover, compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most common diagnoses, affecting 12.3% and 10.5% of residents, respectively. A total of 55.5% of residents reported having no chronic health conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Residents of working age show elevated rates of chronic illness. People aged 65 and over make up 20.7% of the population (1,326 people), which is lower than the Regional NSW average of 23.4%.
Senior health rankings are generally consistent with national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
South Grafton is largely Australian-born, at 94.0% of residents, with 2.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.3%) and English (30.2%). 10.5% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The local population has low cultural diversity, with citizens making up 89.5% of residents, 94.0% of the population born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 53.3% of residents, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top ancestries reported are Australian at 34.3%, English at 30.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 10.5%, which is higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Other backgrounds include Samoan at 0.1% (matching the regional 0.1%), Sri Lankan at 0.1% (matching the regional 0.1%), and Scottish at 7.3% (compared to 8.0% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of South Grafton is 39. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 24.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 39 years is younger than the Regional NSW average of 43 and close to the national average of 38. The suburb has a higher proportion of children aged 5 - 14 (14.8%) compared to Regional NSW, but fewer residents aged 65 - 74 (10.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort rose from 10.5% to 12.1% of the population, while the 55 to 64 group fell from 12.1% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic shifts will alter the age profile, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 19% (141 people) to reach 891 from 749, while the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 groups are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for South Grafton
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 3 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 11 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (6,288 at the 2021 Census → 6,409 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL13598). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.